Chef/Cook

Job summary

About our Family

We are a well-established, family-owned group of care homes with over 50 years’ experience. Our success has driven our growth, and we take pride in delivering exceptional care to our residents. With two homes rated Outstanding and two rated Good by the CQC, we pride ourselves on our compassionate, person-centred approach to elderly and dementia care.

Why Us?

At Woodlands & Hill Brow, we believe in creating warm, welcoming environments where residents feel truly at home — and where staff feel valued and supported.

Food plays a huge part in our resident’s wellbeing, comfort, and daily enjoyment. We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Chef/Cook to join our hospitality team, working closely with the Home Manager to provide nutritious, flavoursome, home cooked meals that our residents look forward to each day.

You will play a key role in creating seasonal menus, catering to individual dietary needs, and ensuring a high quality dining experience that reflects our person centred approach.

About the Role:

This is a hands on role suited to someone passionate about cooking and takes pride in preparing fresh, wholesome meals for elderly residents.

You will be responsible for delivering a wide range of appetising food, maintaining high standards of food hygiene and kitchen compliance, whilst supporting a positive dining experience.

Key responsibilities include:

• Prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, and supper, ensuring meals excite the sense
• Be flexible and cater for individual dietary requirements and preferences.
• Work closely with resident families and the care team to ensure residents remain happy with the food and service.
• Meet new residents too learn about them, their preferences, likes and dislikes.
• Monitor stock levels, manage stock rotation, and minimise waste to support the Home Manager remain in line with budgets
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen in line with infection control and health & safety standards.
• Ensure all food is prepared in line with environmental health regulations and Safer Food Better Business guidelines.
• Supervise and support Kitchen Assistants, including training and development.

About You

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about cooking and passionate about making a difference to residents’ daily lives through food.

You will:

·  Hold a Level 2 Basic Food Hygiene Certificate or above (essential)

·  Have a minimum of 3 to 5 years’ experience working in a kitchen environment (care setting desirable but not essential)

·  Have a minimum of 3 years’ experience running a kitchen

·  Have knowledge of dietary requirements, including those for elderly residents (IDDSI desirable)

·  Be organised and able to manage workload effectively.

·  Demonstrate high standards of cleanliness and food safety, to maintain our Level 5 EHO standards

·  Be a team player with good communication skills

·  Be flexible and able to meet the needs of the home

·  Be willing to undertake relevant training and development

·  Work closely with the Home Manager

(full job description available upon request)

What’s On Offer

·  Competitive hourly rate starting from £16.20 per hour

·  Discretionary bonus

·  28 days’ annual leave, including bank holidays

·  Company pension scheme (3% matched contributions)

·  Support with further qualifications and professional development

·  Permanent team (no agency staff)

·  Staff recommendation bonus scheme

·  Regular paid team-building events

·  Complimentary meals on shift

·  Free on-site parking

·  Uniform provided

·  Access to complimentary wellbeing therapies